Pickleball Facility at Dunn Stadium: The Columbus Plan Commission has given a green light to the development of a pickleball facility at Dunn Stadium. On Wednesday night, the commission voted 10-0 to approve a major modification to the site development plan. This approval allows for the construction of the pickleball facility and the re-striping of 21 parking spaces.
The proposal, put forward by the Bartholomew County commissioners, involves adding a 12-court pickleball facility on the west side of Dunn Stadium, situated south of the BMX bike track. The new facility, spanning 1.25 acres, will offer free admission and is expected to be substantially completed by mid-October. Substantial completion refers to the point at which the project is sufficiently finished for its intended use. Current progress includes excavation and grading of the site.
Contract and Features
Case Construction Inc. has been awarded a $573,218 contract for the project. This sum covers $510,852 for the construction of illuminated courts and $62,366 for site amenities such as bleachers, bike racks, and picnic tables. An alternative proposal to use concrete instead of asphalt for the courts was not accepted. The facility will feature bleachers on the east side, benches on an asphalt island between the courts, and eight red maple trees between the southern courts and parking spaces.
Potential Challenges
Consulting engineer Charlie Day from DLZ Indiana highlighted potential challenges, including difficulties in obtaining necessary supplies and possible delays due to above-normal rainfall in south-central Indiana. The project has attracted significant interest, with eight bids received—more than typical for county projects.
Comparative Size
Once completed, the Dunn Stadium pickleball facility will be the second largest local facility, behind only the 18-court Cera Sports Park and Campground. Other local pickleball courts include six at Donner Park, eight at Tipton Lakes Athletic Club, and six at the new Circle K Fieldhouse. Additional pickleball courts are available at the Foundation for Youth and Harrison Lake County Club.
Planning Conditions
The planning staff recommended several conditions as part of the approval. These include obtaining a stormwater permit from city engineering before issuing a zoning compliance certificate, making minor notation changes on the site plan, and ensuring that the surveyor certificate is signed. City/County Planning Director Jeff Bergman emphasized these requirements in the final motion.
News in Brief: Pickleball Facility at Dunn Stadium
The Columbus Plan Commission has approved plans for a new pickleball facility at Dunn Stadium, following a unanimous vote. The project, spearheaded by the Bartholomew County commissioners, will feature a 12-court facility on a 1.25-acre site, slated for substantial completion by mid-October.
The $573,218 contract with Case Construction Inc. includes court construction and site furnishings. While the facility will become the second largest in the area, planning conditions include obtaining a stormwater permit and making minor adjustments to the site plan.
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